Teens experience lots of different struggles. One of the most common is the struggle with whether to drink alcohol. There are a lot of influences on this decision. On an intimate scale, they could experience peer pressure from within their friend group. On a larger scale, alcohol commercials often glorify drinking and downplay the dangers.
In commercials, they fictionalize how great drinking is. They create the idea that if teens hang out with friends, the experience can only be improved by adding alcohol. Advertisements work by trying to entice the viewer with notions like these so they can sell their product.
In reality, alcohol does not really enhance an experience. All it does is affect the brain so that the experiences seem better. Under the influence, something that seems great and fun might cause an alcohol abuser to look back on the moment with shame and embarrassment the next day.
Not only is the narrative behind drinking false but, for teenagers, there can be long-lasting effects of consuming alcohol. A study in Pharmacol Biochem Behavior showed that drinking under age can have many long-term repercussions. Alcohol can stunt brain development because a teen's brain is not fully developed, and the harmful substance can negatively influence its maturation. Drinking alcohol at this age can lead to an increased risk for dependence and addiction.
When talking about drinking, one of the most prevalent topics of discussion is the risk/reward triggers in the brain. This is the part of the brain that releases chemicals like dopamine when there is a risk that is overcome. This could be something like skydiving: there is a risk involved, but the adrenaline rush mixed with landing safely triggers the reward response and releases a flood of dopamine in the brain.
When in the context of teenage drinking, the risk is getting caught because underage drinking is illegal, and the reward is getting away with it. What this does is associate drinking with a rush of dopamine in the brain. Abusing alcohol like this can lead to some harsh consequences like trouble with the law or substance use disorder (SUD).
Abusing alcohol as a teen is a gateway drug that can lead to more intense drug use. This is not to say that drinking alcohol guarantees that a teen will move on to stronger substances or that they are an alcoholic. The term gateway drug implies that the teen is using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, and more.
When a teen abuses alcohol to cope with whatever problem ails them, it could be just a matter of time until an active addiction develops. As a kid, it can be hard to figure out how to cope. That is why drinking seems so appealing—it appears to be an easy fix to a much more complicated problem.
There are plenty of warning signs to look out for in a teen who may be struggling with alcohol addiction. Changes in school performance or social life—like a new friend group or uncharacteristic isolation—are huge red flags.
Another major warning sign is if alcoholism runs in the family. This can be a huge factor in a teen's relationship with alcohol. While there is much debate over the genetic disposition that children of those with alcohol use disorder may have, one clear contributing factor is learned behavior. If a child sees their parent drinking to cope with problems, they will likely do the same.
All this information can help people understand what their relationship with alcohol is about. There are several questions an individual can ask themselves before they even start drinking. Some of these could be:
These questions can help individuals determine if their relationship with alcohol is healthy or not. Teens should avoid drinking altogether. It may sound lame, but it is illegal for minors, and for good reason. Drinking can stunt brain development and lead to more difficulties in their adult lives.
Advertisements may glamorize drinking, making it seem like teens could be more fun or sophisticated if they drink, but this is not the case in reality. All the qualities teens loot to obtain from drinking can be achieved while sober. Alcohol does not make people more fun at parties, those skills are inside everyone, just waiting to be practiced. Teens should seriously consider what they are getting into if they are faced with an opportunity to drink underage.
Advertisements can make alcohol appear glamorous. It can make it seem like you can fit in, be cooler, or have more fun. As a teen, you might desperately want to achieve those things, but there are other ways. The best version of you is already inside you. If you do struggle with alcohol, perhaps you already see problems arising in your life or feel a lack of control when drinking. Luckily, there are professionals who can help you. NorthStar Transitions, located in Boulder, CO, can be the place to get that help. They can not only help with your drinking habits but the bigger, deeper problems that may influence those habits. If you or someone you know needs help with an addiction, don't wait to get help. You can take the first steps by calling NorthStar today at (303) 558-6400.
